As the non-profit American Trail Running Association approaches a quarter century of service, we are interviewing trail runners from around the United States like Tim McNamara who are participating in our 25th Anniversary Challenge. Through these profiles we’ll introduce you to lesser known every day athletes who are walking, hiking, or trail running their way to distance milestones and sharing their experiences with the community on social media.
We hope these interviews will inspire you to get out on the trails while getting to know trail runners from different parts of the country. If you haven’t already joined our 25th Anniversary Challenge, you can learn more about it and sign-up on our website.
Let’s Get to Know Tim McNamara
Hometown: Old Brookville, NY
Age: 46
Challenge region: Northeast
Years running trails: 25
Average miles per week on trails: 30 to 70
Favorite race distance: Stage races like Trans Alpine Run and TransRockies Run
Longest trail race completed: 172 mile 8-day stage race
[American Trail Running Association] How did you get into trail running?
[Tim McNamara] Growing up we had multi-use horse/hike trails 30 yards away from our house.
[ATRA] What motivates you to get out and run on trails?
[McNamara] The beauty of nature, and how the same trail can look/feel very different every time I run it.
[ATRA] What has your experience been running on trails versus running on roads?
[McNamara] When I lived in New York City, I loved running roads and exploring the concrete jungle. Living on Long Island, trails are my way of getting back to nature and enjoying the quiet time.
[ATRA] What do you like best about being part of the trail running community?
[McNamara] The people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve developed.
[ATRA] What advice would you give to someone trying trail running for the first time?
[McNamara] It’s ok to walk.
[ATRA] How did you first learn about our 25th Anniversary Challenge?
[McNamara] Robert Sherburn; captain for the ATRA South region.
[ATRA] What do you enjoy most about our 25th Anniversary Challenge?
[McNamara] The ATRA Facebook group and weekly trail teasers. I’ve seen people post trails here in the Northeast that I had never heard of before.
[ATRA] Part of our 25th Anniversary Challenge is the weekly trail teaser. What trail teaser would you like to see during the challenge?
[McNamara] A full moon trail run. There’s something really special about being out on a trails under a full moon.
[ATRA] Share with us how our 25th Anniversary Challenge has motivated you.
[McNamara] As an ATRA challenge regional captain, I need to lead by example.
[ATRA] What is your favorite post-run or post-race indulgence?
[McNamara] A beer with friends or my competition.
[ATRA] What is your favorite trail running shoe?
[McNamara] I like Altra’s Lone Peak.
[ATRA] What is your favorite time of day to run trails?
[McNamara] Anytime on the trail is a good time!
Tim McNamara’s pick one quiz results:
- Prefers Single-track over Wide Paths
- Uphill instead of downhill running
- Push Ups over Planking
- He prefers Massage to Foam Rolling
- He will take a Long Run over Speed Work
But wait, there’s more! If you missed our earlier challenge profiles, check out our interview with San Antonio, Texas trail runner Kimberly Aubuchon and Brooklyn’s Zobel Belisario.
